I regretted the words the instant they left my mouth. Mrs. Johnson's face drained of color, her eyes widening with something that looked like panic.
"Juliana," she whispered, her voice suddenly hoarse. "Don't—"
Before she could finish, a sleek black Bentley pulled up to the gate. The butler emerged from the guardhouse, looking anxious.
"Mrs. Ricardo has requested that the guests be escorted inside."
I blinked in surprise. "Old Mrs. Ricardo wants to see them?"
"No, ma'am. The instruction came directly from Mr. Ricardo. He's waiting in his study."
Imogen's face lit up with undisguised triumph as she smoothed her designer dress. "Well, finally. Someone who understands the importance of the Johnson family."
I bit my tongue, watching as Mrs. Johnson closed her eyes briefly, as if gathering strength. When she opened them, her usual quiet dignity had returned, though her breathing remained shallow from her allergic reaction.
